Media Releases

Pride Week proclaimed in the Town of Amherst

The week of June 13, 2022, to June 18, 2022, has been proclaimed Pride Week in the Town of Amherst.

“Amherst is committed to bringing together our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable manner,” Mayor David Kogon said on June 10, 2022, as he signed the proclamation on behalf of the Amherst town council.

“By proclaiming Pride Week, the town is recognizing that everyone has the right to live in conditions of dignity, respect and peace, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The town has a vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and two-spirit community that has contributed greatly to the Amherst’s well-being, Kogon said.

“The 2SLGBTQ2+ community has worked diligently with its allies to help create an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and equity in the town and surrounding area,” the mayor added. “They have also worked hard to ensure Amherst is a safe and positive community.”

Lachlan Lyons, Cumberland Pride committee representative, thanked the town for “raising the rainbow Pride flag as a show of solidarity and for their continued support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

As COVID restrictions begin to lift and people come together once again, “the support of local communities, such as the Town of Amherst, continues to help us move forward in the fight for acceptance and equality,” Lyons added.

While welcoming the town’s continued commitment to our local 2SLGBTQ+ community, Lyons said it is “still important to acknowledge the struggles of those throughout Canada and in countries around the world.”

“With more than 70 countries actively persecuting and criminalizing those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, it is incredibly important to continue our individual efforts to spread compassion and information.

“Together, we can educate those around us while supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ members and moving forward towards acceptance and equity, both at home and globally.”

As part of Pride Week, the town will be flying the Pride Flag between June 13 and June 18. A flag raising ceremony will take place in the park in front of the YMCA at 4 p.m. on June 13.

There are several other events happening during Pride Week, including:

• Pride Tye-Dye shirts (grades 7 to 12) at the Youth Development Centre, registration required, 902-667-5659
• Safer Spaces for Families at Trinity St. Stephens United Church, 5 p.m., June 16.
• Pride swag making at the Youth Development Centre, 2:30-8 p.m., June 16
• The free screening of the movie Love Scott at the Four Fathers Memorial Library on June 16, 2022, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
• Tea with a Queen at Maggie’s Place, June 17, 10-11 a.m.
• A drag show and Pride dance, featuring the queens from Haus of Jeckyll and Mya Diction, at Teasers Pub on June 17. Tickets are $25. The drag show runs from 9-11 p.m., with the dance to follow.
• A vendor market in Victoria Square on June 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• A parade on June 18, beginning at 2 p.m. Its route matches the Big Block Walk, which includes Church, Prince Arthur, Havelock and Victoria streets.
• A multi-faith Pride service in Victoria Square on June 19 at 1:30 p.m.
• An all-bodies swim at the YMCA from 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.